The MotoGP World Championship heads to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for round 13 of the championship this weekend - the Gran Premio TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini.
As one of the most colorful events on the calendar, the visit to Misano always produces a fantastic atmosphere with the passionate and vociferous crowd supporting the World Championship’s numerous Italian competitors as they battle for victory.
Ahead of the visit to the Rimini coast, the win by World Champion and runaway standings leader Marc Marquez at Silverstone was the 11th time this year he has stood on the top step of the podium.
That triumph matched the record of MotoGP victories in a single season that was achieved by Valentino Rossi in both the 2002 and 2005 seasons. Another win for Marquez this year and he will equal the all-time record for most wins in the premier-class in a single season, currently held by Mick Doohan from 1997.
Furthermore, victory for Marquez at Misano would edge him closer to retaining his title, with a distinct possibility that the remarkable young Spanish rider could secure the 2014 championship crown in front of his home fans at the following round at MotorLand Aragon.
Looking to stop Marquez again, as the only other rider to have a won a premier class race this season, his Repsol Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa was off the podium in fourth place last time out at Silverstone – unable to repeat his Brno heroics.
Meanwhile, following his third place finish at Silverstone, Valentino Rossi has now scored a total of 4987 points across all classes during his Grand Prix career. If he finishes in fourth place or higher at Misano - his home track - Rossi will become the first rider ever to reach the milestone of 5000 career points in GP racing.
The most successful rider at Misano since racing returned to the circuit in 2007 is Rossi’s Movistar Yamaha MotoGP teammate Jorge Lorenzo, with four victories: the 250cc GP in 2007, and in MotoGP for the last three years. Lorenzo had a great battle with Marquez at the British Grand Prix and will be determined to register his first victory of the year at the Italian circuit this weekend.
As an Italian rider on an Italian machine, Andrea Dovizioso is sure to be given great support at Misano as he continues his hard work with the Ducati Team, whilst his teammate Cal Crutchlow will also be aiming for a good result. Between the Brno and Silverstone rounds, Ducati tested at Misano, with Andrea Iannone of the Pramac Racing Team also present, meaning they will have plenty of relevant data available.
Elsewhere, Leon Camier is set to make a fourth consecutive substitute appearance for the Drive M7 Aspar team in place of the recuperating Nicky Hayden. Camier just missed out on the points in 16th place at his home round at Silverstone and will relish another chance to race at the top level.
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